Team Oregon instructors are individuals with a genuine interest in helping people. Instructors need to observe and listen carefully to students — and be sensitive to their needs. The simple translation for the instructor: “This course is not about me. This course is about the students and what they need.”
The Team Oregon core belief is that students learn by doing. They need lots of time to practice. What they also need is clear, concise instruction and feedback. Instructors have to limit conversation so the students have lots of time to ride (learn).
Instructors are expected to present themselves in a professional manner any time they may be recognized as an instructor. As the state safety organization, it is incumbent upon us to ride and act responsibly.
- Model safe riding behaviors. Instructors are expected to wear appropriate riding gear (DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, full-fingered gloves and footwear that covers the ankles) at all times, including in personal life. Ideally, this is motorcycle-specific riding gear — not street clothing. Instructors become recognized as motorcycle safety professionals in the community. It is essential that they protect their own credibility as well as that of the program by dressing appropriately and riding responsibly any time they ride.
- Maintain skills to effectively demonstrate exercises. The demonstration rides given during a course are not necessarily skills used in everyday street riding. We expect instructors to spend the appropriate time practicing so they can provide students a correct demonstration the first time.
- Teach a minimum of three courses, totaling a minimum of 27instructional hours, every year. This is the minimum required to stay certified. Realistically, instructors need to teach 10–12 times a year to remain proficient.
- Attend update training. Team Oregon offers update training several times a year. Most instructors attend every year to see what, if anything, has changed. Updates are for the instructor’s benefit and highly recommended.
- Be first-aid certified. Team Oregon instructors are required to maintain current certification at all times to avoid a lapse in teaching privileges.
- Follow Team Oregon approved curriculum and comply with policies and procedures. Protect yourself and the program. All policies and procedures are spelled out in a manual.
- Team Oregon instructor standards require that instructors maintain a good driving record to maintain teaching eligibility.
Quality Control
Remember, becoming and being an instructor is a journey, not a destination. Team Oregon Instructors are challenged to improve their knowledge and techniques. Instructors participate in professional development, annual updates, Technical Assistance Visits (TAV), and Site Compliance Audits.
Technical Assistance Visits (TAV) are low key, informal visits by a trainer who works with instructors during a regular course. The trainer will identify areas of good performance and make suggestions for potential improvements.
At Instructor Updates, instructors learn new techniques, fine-tune their abilities, learn new curricula and/or find out what’s new or different in Team Oregon training. Updates are offered several times each year to accommodate busy schedules.
Site Compliance Audits (SCA) measure the effectiveness of the program. SCAs are formal visits made by trainers who look at program systems and performance. The trainer observes part of the course and all the facilities and equipment, then submits a formal report to Team Oregon staff and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
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